Thoughts on an Air King 5500 from '87?

kip595 · Mar 27, 2021

Hi folks;

What's the thoughts here on this A-K? It looks pretty spot on, with perhaps a light polish at some point in the past, if that. Dial appears correct to my eyes, though if so the font and printing are very well preserved IMHO.

R serial number indicates 87, full box and papers include receipt dated to '89. Haven't delved heavily into it with the seller, but '87 would nail the birth year watch for me...and my birthday is only a month away! (Hey, any excuse to add another watch, am I right?)

Pics (not mine, for full transparency):

As always, thanks guys!

vibe · Mar 28, 2021

Looks great, maybe one of the last 5500s

eternalover · Mar 28, 2021

Lume dots at 11 5 4 look off centre but that may be distortion through glass

JwRosenthal · Mar 28, 2021

eternalover
Lume dots at 11 5 4 look off centre but that may be distortion through glass

I think that’s dome distortion- if you look close they still seem to be squarely at the ends of the indices, just warped from the crystal.
This looks good to me, if it has been refinished (which of course would be common for a watch of this period if it went for service), then it was done well with correct brushing. If the price were right, I would grab it. What’s the asking?

kip595 · Mar 28, 2021

JwRosenthal
I think that’s dome distortion- if you look close they still seem to be squarely at the ends of the indices, just warped from the crystal.
This looks good to me, if it has been refinished (which of course would be common for a watch of this period if it went for service), then it was done well with correct brushing. If the price were right, I would grab it. What’s the asking?

Around three and a half, with original box and papers and such - I don't think it's downright outrageous, but certainly something to discuss if they're willing.

JwRosenthal · Mar 28, 2021

kip595
Around three and a half, with original box and papers and such - I don't think it's downright outrageous, but certainly something to discuss if they're willing.

Yeah, on the high side, but not crazy if a dealer with full kit- they gotta make a living. Service will be $500 like any Rolex- so factor that in with the negotiations. $3k seems to be the median on these lately- full kit does bump that up.

mbeast · Mar 28, 2021

Looks very good to me and price is fair in the current market.

Thoughts on an Air King 5500 from '87?

kip595

vibe

eternalover

JwRosenthal

kip595

JwRosenthal

mbeast

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